“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”– Hebrews 7:19 (KJV)
“For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”– Hebrews 7:19 (NLT)
“The earlier regulation was ineffective; it didn’t work. But the new plan puts everything right. And we are back on track with God.” – Hebrews 7:19 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 7:19 Mean?
Hebrews 7:19 talks about the limitations of the law and how it was not able to make anything perfect. The writer of Hebrews is telling us that while the law was necessary at that time, it ultimately could not lead to perfection. That is a pretty big concept to think about. Imagine you are in a race, but you find out that the finish line is unreachable. That’s how the law was for the people back when the Old Testament was written. The law pointed out sins but did not provide a way to fix them completely or get to God in the way they needed.
This verse then introduces a “better hope.” It is a hope rooted in a relationship with God and something greater—the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This “better hope” allows us to draw closer to God than the law ever could. Why is this so significant? It shows that we do not need to rely solely on our actions or follow rules to earn acceptance from God. Instead, through Jesus, we can have direct access to God. This change gives us confidence and hope in our relationship with the Lord.
Hebrews 7:19 Explanation and Commentary
In many ways, Hebrews 7:19 summarizes the entirety of the message of the New Testament. The law was never meant to be the final word; it was a temporary measure until God brought forth a new covenant through Jesus Christ. This is the heart of the Christian faith! Jesus’ death and resurrection replaced the law’s duties. It’s like when we are given a new tool that is much better than the old one; it does everything we need and more. This new tool or covenant is our confidence and better hope.
One of the most remarkable things about this verse is the idea of drawing near to God. When we think about God, it is easy to feel distant or unworthy. But Jesus bridges that gap for us. He took our sins upon Himself, so we no longer need to be fearful of coming to God. In fact, we are invited into His presence! How amazing is it that through Christ, we can approach God freely with confidence? Ephesians 2:13 reminds us, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” This should encourage us greatly.
When we acknowledge our struggles, we can step into this relationship with God, knowing that it is through grace we are saved, not by our works. It’s a much lighter load to carry if we recognize it is not just about following rules. This message rings clear throughout the Scriptures, particularly in Romans 3:20, where it says, “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands.” Humans naturally fall short, but God made a way for us—through Jesus and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
Context of Hebrews 7:19
Understanding the context of this verse is crucial for grasping its full meaning. Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who faced persecution and were tempted to revert to their old ways, clinging to the law and the traditions of Judaism. They were experiencing a challenge to their faith and needed reassurance that what they had in Christ was more than enough.
The writer uses comparisons throughout the chapter of Hebrews to showcase the superiority of Jesus over the familiar figures within their faith, such as Melchizedek and the high priests of the Old Covenant. Melchizedek is presented as a foreshadowing of Christ, with Jesus being the ultimate High Priest. By recounting these connections, the author is showing that the new covenant in Jesus is better. It offers us direct access to God, unlike the restrictions of the past.
This verse enables us to understand that the law had its purpose, showing humanity their need for a Savior. However, when Christ arrived, He fulfilled the law and transcended its expectations. That is why in Romans 10:4, Paul states, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” The transition is powerful! Jesus has brought in the new way, the “better hope” for all believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 7:19
Let’s take a closer look at some key elements of Hebrews 7:19 that open the door to deeper understanding. First, the phrase “the law made nothing perfect” is profound. It reminds us that legalism may point out our failures, but it cannot change our hearts or transform our lives. The law serves its purpose, but it cannot provide the freedom we gain through faith in Jesus.
Next, we see a shift of focus to “the bringing in of a better hope.” This indicates that there will be something new and improved. For those of us living in today’s world, this can bring immense comfort. We can have hope that surpasses any struggles or hardships we face. This hope comes from a genuine relationship with God, where we are assured of His love, mercy, and grace.
Finally, the last part of the verse encourages us to “draw nigh unto God.” This implies closeness, intimacy, and direct access that was not as easily available before. It’s like getting an invitation to sit with a king. We have a seat at the table! This invitation encourages us to be eager in our relationship with God, seeking His presence regularly. Throughout the Bible, we see God inviting us into connection, from Genesis to Revelation, demonstrating His desire to be near to us.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 7:19
There are several significant lessons we can take from Hebrews 7:19. One primary lesson is the idea of grace. We can reflect on how we may fall back into trying to earn God’s approval through our actions. It’s important to remember that our worth comes from who we are in Christ, not from what we accomplish. Grace transforms our heart, making us want to please God genuinely, rather than simply adhering to rules.
We learn about the importance of hope as well. Hope gives us strength and encouragement in difficult times. It allows us to see beyond our present circumstances to what God has promised. This can be such a comforting reminder; when life seems overwhelming, shifting our focus back to Christ can provide clarity and peace. Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Lastly, we must not overlook the ability to draw near to God. This transformation in our relationship is a vital lesson. We don’t need to approach Him with fear but with confidence. The access we have to God is incredible, and we should take full advantage of this gift, spending time in prayer and worship. James 4:8 encourages us to “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” It is a beautiful cycle of closeness and connection.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on Hebrews 7:19, we see that the essence of this verse speaks volumes about God’s love for us and His desire for a relationship. The law serves as a reminder of our need for a Savior, leading us to recognize our dependence on Christ. Through that realization, we find ourselves strengthened by hope—a hope that allows us to approach God with boldness and confidence.
This brings security to our faith and encourages us to live in a way that honors the grace we have received. So let’s embrace this truth, allowing it to inspire our daily lives as we draw nearer to God. If you want to enrich your understanding further, check out topics like Bible Repository and explore what the Scriptures say about drawing near to God. Together, we can grow deeper in our faith as we shine His light in our lives.